Keegan Bradley watches his putt horseshoe out during the final round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament Sunday, May 19, 2013, in Irving, Texas. Bradley finished two strokes behind tournament champion Sang-Moon ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez

LEN HAYWARD: Banning of anchored putters not surprising

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Tuesday’s announcement that the Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the U.S. Golf Association decided to ban the anchoring of putters in 2016 was not much of a surprise. But what is the surprise is the fact that two organizations who like to talk about growing the game, just told the average golfer, sorry.

I know golf is not an easy game, trust me I stink. But this was something that was minimal compared to the other issues that are facing the game in terms of equipment. A few players took advantage of the lack of a rule, and those players were some of the best in the world and won major championships.

So what? The best part about watching golf is seeing guys that aren’t the biggest or strongest win golf tournaments because they’ve mastered the skill and not the ability to hit it farther than everybody else. Anchoring the putter was an equalizer for many players who didn’t hit it long, and now that equalizer is being taken away.

The USGA and R&A still have yet to address the main issue when it comes to long hitting and that’s the golf ball. Jack Nicklaus has been saying for years the technology of the golf ball has changed so much that the pros will continue to make current golf courses obsolete.

But both the USGA and R&A are afraid to bite the hand that feeds them and that’s the ball manufacturers. The endorsements they do and other areas of advertising through the tours helps their bottom line, and either organization limiting what a ball can do would hurt that.

The rule will be put into place in three years, and who knows whether it will make a difference on tour, but it was something that could’ve made a difference in helping average golfers enjoy the game more.